Obama says US faces ‘political crisis’ after killing of Charlie Kirk

Obama Warns of ‘Unprecedented Political Crisis’ After Charlie Kirk’s Killing

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has warned of a “political crisis of the sort that we haven’t seen before” following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Speaking at an event in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Obama said he did not know Kirk personally and often disagreed with his views, but condemned the incident as “horrific and a tragedy.” He urged Americans to uphold respect for free expression, even when disagreements run deep.

Obama also criticised Donald Trump and his allies for inflaming tensions, contrasting their remarks with previous Republican leaders who, he said, stressed unity during national crises. He pointed to President George W. Bush’s call for tolerance after 9/11 and his own restraint following the 2015 Charleston church shooting.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem. Prosecutors say Tyler Robinson, 22, admitted to the crime, allegedly telling others he acted because he had “had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred.” Robinson now faces murder and weapons charges, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.

In the aftermath, Trump allies blamed left-wing rhetoric for the attack. Vice-President JD Vance urged supporters to publicly shame those who celebrated Kirk’s death, saying: “Call them out, and hell, call their employer.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi suggested the administration would move to crack down on “hate speech,” though the U.S. has no federal hate speech laws.

Obama, however, praised Utah’s Republican Governor Spencer Cox and Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro for showing restraint and leadership amid rising tensions. Shapiro himself was the target of a firebombing earlier this year.

The White House dismissed Obama’s remarks, calling him “the architect of modern political division.” A spokesperson accused him of inspiring Democrats to label opponents as “deplorables,” “fascists,” or “Nazis.”

While former presidents typically avoid criticising successors, Obama has in recent months been more vocal, slamming Trump’s moves against universities and judges, and chastising Democratic leaders for failing to mount stronger opposition.